Ports & destinations

Cruise ships return to Liverpool en masse, but timetable for new terminal uncertain

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 11 August 2021 11 August 2021

The number of cruise ship calls this year at Liverpool in the UK is about to reach the level that had been expected in 2020, but despite the quick recovery the timescale for a new, larger cruise terminal remains uncertain.

In a report, Liverpool Council's City Assets Manager Angie Redhead said: "Remarkably, the recovery in 2021 has been rapid; 107 cruise calls are confirmed, 40 of which are Turnaround calls (passengers starting and ending their cruise in Liverpool), generating an income of circa £1.5 million."

This compares with 108 calls that had been scheduled for 2020, but only Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady actually called before the Covid-19 pandemic suspended cruise operations. So far, 103 cruise calls are expected for 2022

The council is currently assessing timescales for taking the new cruise terminal project to the next stage. However, it stated that it "remains committed to the cruise terminal scheme and the return of passenger shipping to its world famous waterfront."

The present cruise terminal can handle calls by very large ships due to its deep draft etc. However, as a small temporary structure is being used for checking passengers in etc. only vessels of about 1,200 passenger capacity can be handled on turnaround calls.

Not all recent news have been good, however. The demise of Cruise & Maritime Voyages last year impacted the turnaround business in Liverpool as the company had one ship based there for several months each year.

However, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line, another traditional turnaround operator in the city, has based Borealis (in photo above), one of its two acquisitions from Holland America Line, in Liverpool. The city has also benefitted from the domestic cruises that have been operated in the UK since restrictions were lifted in mid-May.

While the city council owns and operates the cruise facilities in Liverpool, the cargo port belongs to Peel Ports, which is part of the privately owned Peel Holdings group.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announces the latest developments in PortMiami's "Shore Power Ready" expansion

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 06 August 2021 06 August 2021

Miami-Dade County, in partnership with Florida Power and Light Company (FPL), Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Group, will be "Shore Power Ready" at PortMiami by Fall 2023. Cruise Terminal F, currently undergoing a significant expansion for Carnival and Cruise Terminal A, Royal Caribbean's signature Crown of Miami will be the first facilities with shore power capability at the Port. Shore power allows ships to turn off their primary engines while docked, resulting in reduced air emissions. Both lines have committed to retrofitting vessels within their fleet to utilize this power source at the Cruise Capital of the World.

In February 2021, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava launched an initiative to bring shore power to PortMiami in collaboration with Miami-Dade County's major cruise line partners. The goal is to make Miami the first seaport in Florida and the southeastern U.S. "Shore Power Ready" and a leader in sustainability. Since then, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group have agreed to launch Phase 1 of this program for connections at Cruise Terminals A and F. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act announced a $2 million grant allocation for Phase 1 of the program.

Plans have already begun implementing the program in phases. Phase 1 at Cruise Terminals A and F will transform the power levels at the Port from the electrical grid to cable management systems for the heavy plugs and outlets on the vessels. This system requires each party to implement improvements on the electrical grid and supply lines, shore-side equipment on the pier, and shore-to-ship connection on the cruise ship. Additionally, PortMiami is working with other cruise line partners to ensure that their designated berths also have shore power connectivity as part of Phase 2.

"Our efforts to make PortMiami 'shore power ready' are moving full steam ahead thanks to the incredible work of the PortMiami team, FPL, and the commitment of Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group," said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Our goal is to continue ensuring PortMiami is a leader in sustainability and to shape a more resilient cruise industry that prioritizes the protection of our environment. We are proud of this big step and look forward to working with other cruise companies for the second phase of this project to make the Cruise Capital of the World more sustainable."

“As a world leader in renewable energy and sustainability, FPL is pleased to be partnering with Miami-Dade County, PortMiami and our renowned cruise line partners to develop an innovative shore power solution that will both lower emissions by shifting to clean power from FPL and drive modernization,” said Eric Silagy, President and CEO of FPL. “Every day, we deliver America’s best energy value to our customers, energy that’s not just clean and reliable, but also affordable. Now, we are pleased to bring these core values to the cruise industry, as we stand ready to make shore power a reality for PortMiami.”

"In line with our top priorities of compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety, and well-being of our guests, employees, and the people in the communities we touch and serve, we are thrilled to have been one of the first cruise lines to partner with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Dade County in the shore power program at PortMiami," said Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line. "With PortMiami being our busiest homeport and our longstanding relationship with both Miami-Dade and PortMiami, it's a natural fit to work together to bring this power source to the Cruise Capital of the World."

“Shore Power connectivity allows us to reduce our emissions to near zero while connected in port,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “In partnership with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Dade County, we’re happy to help bring this technology to our hometown, the Cruise Capital of the World, as part of our sustainability journey and our single-minded focus to be partners to the communities we visit and call home.”

Miami-Dade County's mission is to operate one of Florida's most active seaports in a way that supports economic development and sustainability. Recent infrastructure and capital projects include:

* Programs aimed at building resiliency and reducing emissions, including the Port of Miami Tunnel, eliminates an estimated 22,000 vehicles from downtown Miami streets.
* New infrastructure accommodates six electric rubber-tired gantries (eRTGs), each featuring 100 percent electric power system within the cargo yards.
* All cargo gantry cranes at PortMiami are electric.

Stabilis Solutions and Galveston Wharves partner to offer LNG fueling services

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 03 August 2021 03 August 2021

Galveston Wharves at Port of Galveston and Stabilis Solutions Inc., a leading provider of energy transition services, including liquefied natural gas and hydrogen fueling solutions, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the use of LNG as a marine fuel at the Port.

Under the terms of the MOU, the Port and Stabilis will work together to provide turnkey LNG fueling solutions to marine vessels calling on the Port, including identifying suitable dock space for shore-to-ship fueling operations, obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, identifying and educating potential customers, and executing LNG fueling events. Stabilis will deploy its existing fleet of mobile cryogenic assets, including LNG transportation and distribution equipment, and provide LNG from its liquefaction facilities in Texas and Louisiana to support LNG fueling operations. LNG bunkering services are expected to be available in 2021.

“Stabilis is proud to partner with the Galveston Wharves on this LNG marine bunkering opportunity,” said Jim Reddinger, President and CEO of Stabilis. “The use of LNG as a marine fuel is critical for marine operators to reduce their emissions profile, and Stabilis is building a North American network of LNG bunkering locations to provide this critical service to our marine customers. The Port of Galveston is the second LNG marine fueling location (along with the Port of Corpus Christi) that Stabilis will operate on the Gulf Coast. As our marine customers pursue their environmental, commercial, and operational goals in the energy transition, Stabilis will be there to support them.”

The number of LNG-powered vessels in the world fleet is growing rapidly as LNG fuel benefits marine customers in both efficiency and emissions reductions compared to conventional marine fuels. According to DNV, demand for LNG as a marine fuel is projected to grow from approximately 1.0 million tons per annum (“mtpa”) in 2020 to nearly 4.0 mtpa by 2024, a compound annual growth rate of over 30%. With this partnership providing LNG fuel and services, Stabilis and the Galveston Wharves hope to attract more LNG-fueled vessels and to encourage additional conversions to LNG fuel. Stabilis and the Galveston Wharves have committed to providing extensive education and technical support to potential customers.

“The Galveston Wharves views LNG fueling of marine vessels as an important step in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Rodger Rees, Port Director and CEO. “And with the number of LNG-fueled vessels in the global fleet growing rapidly, having LNG fueling services in the port is also an important step in our commercial growth. We look forward to working with Stabilis on this project.”

Valletta welcomes two Viking ships to summer home port

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 04 August 2021 04 August 2021

Valletta Cruise Port, which is part of Global Ports Holding group, has welcomed Viking on a number of sailings in the Mediterranean with Viking Sea and Viking Venus regularly homeporting in the Maltese capital this summer.

Both ships are sailing three new itineraries roundtrip from Valletta, offered as part of Viking’s ‘Welcome Back’ collection for vaccinated guests.

The new voyages include the 11-day Malta & the Adriatic Jewels, the 11-day Malta & Greek Isles Discovery and the 21-day Malta, the Adriatic & Greece itineraries.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Viking, esteemed guests and crew on a regular basis this summer. Viking’s, well-travelled guests are also experiencing our Islands’ 7,000 years of history and culture on pre- and post-cruise stays. Their savviness is the ultimate stamp for Valletta’s cruise industry. We are thankful for Viking’s trust in what team Malta can offer,” commented Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port.

Despite the pause in cruise ship operations until August 2020, Maltese stakeholders worked tirelessly on a number of initiatives, with local authorities and partners working together on ‘COVID-19 Cruise Operations Guidelines for a Safe Continuation of Cruising in Valletta’ with the aim of facilitating operations in this transitional phase. It is thanks to the collaboration and effort by, the Ministry of Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Malta International Airport the Health Authorities and local agents that this operation can materialize.

Ivan Mifsud, Managing Director of Mifsud Brothers Ltd. stated “I cannot deny that this was perhaps, the toughest challenge in my career, but with patience and perseverance together with outstanding teamwork by all the stakeholders, we made it happen. And importantly, it gave us the opportunity to showcase Malta and Gozo as a fascinating cultural destination to the American curious traveller, in a very effective way, thanks to the marketing clout of Viking.”

Viking has also partnered with Lufthansa to offer non-stop charter flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to Malta for a number of turnarounds. The first direct flight started on the 31st July utilizing an Airbus A350.

“We are delighted that Viking’s operation will bring the Maltese islands and their very diverse offering closer to the American market at a time when the demand for travel is gradually recovering. Beyond crystal-clear waters, a mix of rocky and sandy beaches and good year-round weather which make Malta quintessentially Mediterranean, the island’s impressive history, culture, eclectic architecture and hospitable locals give it a unique character which we are confident will delight our American visitors,” said Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.

In June the Maltese government eased rules for the arrival of international travellers – and now allows fully vaccinated Americans with CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards to arrive in the country.

Additionally, the U.S.’s CDC announced it has eased travel recommendations for 110 countries and territories. As part of the new recommendations, the CDC ranked Malta as ‘Level 1’ or the lowest for risk of COVID-19.

Port Everglades looks forward to first two-ship day on Saturday

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 30 July 2021 30 July 2021

For the first time in more than 15 months, two cruise ships with passengers will be sailing from Port Everglades on the same day, Saturday, July 31 at 6PM. Royal Caribbean International’s brand-new Odyssey of the Seas will sail on her inaugural cruise. At the same time, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge will depart on her sixth voyage since kicking off the industry’s restart on June 26 from Port Everglades.

Broward County visitors and residents are invited to watch the ships sail from the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach or from Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Hollywood, or join the sail-away from the water on Facebook Live @port.everglades.

In addition, Celebrity’s Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to sail on its second voyage on Sunday, August 1, for a total of three ships sailing during the off-season summer months.

“It’s starting to look a lot like a cruise port here again,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels. “After no passengers or revenue for at least 15 months, and significant job loss, it is a greatly welcome re-start. The cruise lines and the port are doing all they can to enforce safe protocols to continue sailing.”

Cruises generated nearly $60 million in revenue annually at Port Everglades prior to the pandemic.

“The vaccine is a game changer that will inject tourism dollars into our community,” said Broward County Mayor Steve Geller. “Approximately 6,000 local workers have been directly impacted by the cruise shutdown and another 84,000 residents were employed in the local hospitality and tourism industry. Those jobs have been severely impacted by the virus and the pause in cruise travel.”

Port Everglades’ enviable location in the heart of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach area and the neighboring Caribbean, makes it one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world, hosting nearly 4 million passengers annually pre-pandemic.